In Canadian waters
THREE Egyptians are ready for Canada's international long- distance swimming championship. Hassan Khalafallah reports from Quebec that the three will be among the world's best ready to compete in the championship scheduled for next week.
Contestants aim at not only winning the tournament but improving their world ranking in the International Federation's rankings. The 77-kilometre race is the second longest among the 12 international events held throughout the year in various countries. Egypt will hold the ninth edition in Sharm El- Sheikh in September.
The race in Canada is the sixth this season and the new rankings will be issued at season's end. In 1995, Canada's Yakinok was the first to finish the distance. Since then, only France's Jean-François Bergaroun has completed the race, achieving the feat in 2000.
The Egyptian team which flew to Canada today includes Mohamed Maarouf, who finished third in Canada last year, Hatem Seif and Mohamed Hassan. Head coach Mohamed Farag promises that his swimmers -- Seif and Hassan failed to finish in the top 10 in 2001 -- will do better this year.
"Preparations started two months ago, including fitness training and swimming short distances in the Nile," Farag said. "They also entered national and international races as part of the warm up." Above, the Egyptian team trains in the Nile shortly before leaving for Canada.
© Copyright Al-Ahram Weekly. All rights reserved
